The sky hasn't always been thought of as blue - the Ancient Greek poet
Homer never used the word "blue" to describe it, often using "bronze" instead, and most ancient languages didn't even have a word for the colour - but as it happens this azure shade of blue, which falls towards one end of the visible spectrum, is perfect for summer dressing. Bringing to mind tranquillity, freshness and clarity, sky blue is a great colour for clothes
and accessories whether you're heading off on holiday or hoping to retain some of your post-getaway cheer once you're back at work and summer starts fading into autumn. Click through the gallery, above, to see six of our favourite sky blue items, or read on to discover six peaceful escapes that are ideal for getting away from it all and engaging in a little blue-sky thinking...

Reflective Retreats

Forty kilometres south of the Arctic Circle in Sweden, Treehotel is an eco-resort consisting of six futuristic treehouses in a stretch of unspoilt forest. The most striking is The Mirrorcube, which is half way up a tree and offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness, but The UFO (complete with retractable steps) might appeal to your inner child. treehotel.se

Blue sky is abundant at Perivolas, a small luxury hotel on the Greek island of Santorini. The infinity pool commands a panoramic vista of the sea and the sky and is the perfect place to find your inner calm (over a beer or three). perivolas.gr

Accessible only by helicopter, the tent resort Minaret Station takes the concept of "getting away from it all" to the next level. Don't equate its remote location in New Zealand's Southern Alps with basic amenities, though. King-size beds, hot tubs and gourmet cuisine are all part of the experience. minaretstation.com

The Wolwedans collection of safari lodges and desert camps is set in the 180,000-hectare NamibRand Nature Reserve in southern Africa. Sleeping up to eight guests in four spacious tents, the Boulders Camp is great for watching the sun set over the rocky plateau. wolwedans.com

Situated deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies, Dunton Hot Springs is located in a restored ghost town with no mobile phone signal. After a day's hiking, unwind in the well-appointed cabins or take a dip in the hot springs where the natural water temperature is a comfortable 38°C. duntonhotsprings.com

For a seriously luxurious getaway in a tropical location, the Amanpuri resort in Phuket takes some beating. Facing a white-sand beach and surrounded by lush vegetation, a fortnight here is as good as guaranteed to eliminate stress. amanresorts.com